Stereophonics have announced details of two special gigs at London's Hammersmith Apollo.

The Welsh band will play their first two albums, 1997’s ‘Word Gets Around’ and 1999’s ‘Performance and Cocktails’, in full at the shows on October 17 and 18.

The gigs will coincide with both albums' re-release on October 18.

Each of the reissues will come in two formats: a standard 2CD deluxe edition and a limited edition super deluxe 3CD boxset.

The deluxe edition will feature the original album on disc one, while disc two will be accompanied by the band’s favourite b-sides, plus rarities and early demos.

The super deluxe 3CD box set will feature the same content, as well as a book based on frontman Kelly Jones’ notebooks, containing handwritten lyrics and unseen photos.

Jones said the reissues had become more "poignant" since the death of original drummer Stuart Cable in June.

Tickets for the gigs go on sale on Friday (August 27) at 9am.

Stereophonic's London dates are:

• London, Hammersmith Apollo – October 17 ('Word Gets Around')
• London, Hammersmith Apollo – 18 ('Performance And Cocktails')

(by Jason Gregory)